State board hears ways to boost Ohio school safety

COLUMBUS (AP) — Top Ohio law enforcers are urging members of the state school board not to support arming untrained teachers with guns in response to recent school shootings, including one last year in northeast Ohio.

The board is trying to determine how best to update policies and increase advocacy efforts.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Public Safety Director Tom Charles said during a briefing today that more weapons in schools would heighten the risks.

State Sen. Frank LaRose, a U.S. Army veteran, cited poor aim and target identification among issues.

DeWine said only educators with significant law enforcement or military training should be armed.

LaRose said lawmakers are pursuing legislation requiring police officers to make periodic, unannounced school visits and establishing a reporting system for anonymous tips involving suspicious behavior.